How long does it take to walk the 16th Arrondissement architectural route?

The walk typically takes between 2 to 3 hours. This includes time to stop and photograph the major landmarks like the Palais de Tokyo and the hidden gems of Rue Mallet-Stevens.

Where can I see Le Corbusier's work in Paris?

The most significant site is Villa La Roche in the 16th Arrondissement. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and serves as an excellent example of his Purist style and 'architectural promenade' concept.

Is the 16th Arrondissement worth visiting for tourists?

Yes, especially for those interested in art, fashion, and history. Beyond the Eiffel Tower views at Trocadéro, it offers a quieter, more local experience with world-class museums and stunning 20th-century buildings.

Are the buildings on this self-guided walk free to see?

Most of the architectural highlights, including Castel Béranger and Rue Mallet-Stevens, are visible for free from the public street. Only interior visits to museums like Villa La Roche or Palais de Tokyo require a fee.

What is the best time of day for a walking tour in the 16th Arrondissement?

Morning or early afternoon is best. The light is ideal for photographing the facades, and the residential streets are quiet and peaceful before the evening rush.

Is this walking route family-friendly?

Yes, the route is easy and flat, making it suitable for families. The Jardins du Trocadéro offer plenty of space for children to move around between the architectural stops.

Can I see Art Nouveau architecture in Paris?

Absolutely. The 16th Arrondissement is home to Hector Guimard's most famous works, including Castel Béranger on Rue Jean-de-La-Fontaine, which is widely considered the birth of the style in Paris.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Step away from the typical Haussmannian boulevards and discover the architectural laboratory of Paris. The 16th Arrondissement, often viewed as a quiet residential enclave, served as the primary canvas for the most daring architects of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This self-guided walk invites you to trace the evolution of French design, from the organic whimsy of Art Nouveau to the stark, functional lines of the Modernist movement. You will explore a neighborhood that transitioned from rural outskirts to a showcase of prestige and innovation. Your walking route begins at the Palais de Tokyo, a monumental relic of the 1937 International Exhibition. Here, you will see the transition from classical grandeur to the stripped-back aesthetics of Art Deco. As you move through the Jardins du Trocadéro, the scale of Parisian urban planning becomes clear, offering some of the most iconic views of the city while surrounded by the geometric precision of the 1930s. This neighborhood stroll then takes a turn toward the revolutionary, leading you to the works of Hector Guimard, the man who brought the 'whiplash' curves of Art Nouveau to the city's streets. At Castel Béranger, you will witness the moment Paris abandoned architectural symmetry for something far more organic and strange. Finally, this architectural exploration reaches its peak in the quiet streets of Auteuil. You will discover Rue Mallet-Stevens, the only street in Paris where a single architect designed every building, creating a unified vision of Cubist-inspired living. The journey concludes at Villa La Roche, a UNESCO World Heritage site designed by Le Corbusier. This masterpiece of Purist architecture redefined what a home could be, emphasizing light, space, and a break from the past. This self-guided adventure is more than a walk; it is a masterclass in the radical ideas that shaped the modern world. Whether you are an architecture enthusiast or a curious traveler, this route offers a unique perspective on the 'other' Paris, far from the gilded monuments of the center.

Highlights

The grand Art Deco facades of the Palais de Tokyo

Iconic views of the Eiffel Tower from the Trocadéro gardens

Hector Guimard’s Art Nouveau masterpiece, Castel Béranger

The unified Cubist architecture of Rue Mallet-Stevens

Le Corbusier’s revolutionary Villa La Roche

The hidden, leafy residential streets of the 16th Arrondissement

Tour Stops (6)

Palais de Tokyo

Welcome to the Palais de Tokyo, a striking example of 1930s architecture. Completed for the 1937 International Exhibition, this building marks a departure from the ornate styles of the previous century. Notice the austere, monumental colonnades and the minimalist decoration. This was the era of 'Stripped Classicism,' where architects sought to convey power through scale rather than gold leaf. Today, it houses one of the largest centers for contemporary art in Europe. As you stand in the central courtyard, look at the relief sculptures—they represent the arts and sciences, blending traditional craftsmanship with the sleek, modern lines that would soon dominate the world.

Palais Galliera

Just a short walk away stands the Palais Galliera, home to the City of Paris Fashion Museum. Built in the late 19th century by the Duchess of Galliera, its architecture is more traditional Neo-Renaissance, but it plays a crucial role in our story. It represents the height of Parisian luxury before the Modernist revolution. The building is constructed with a hidden metal frame—a cutting-edge technique at the time—cloaked in a skin of classical stone. It serves as a perfect visual bridge between the old-world elegance of the Belle Époque and the industrial innovations that were about to transform the 16th Arrondissement into a hub of modern design.

Jardins du Trocadéro

Entering the Jardins du Trocadéro, you are standing in the heart of the 1937 World’s Fair site. The Palais de Chaillot, which frames the view, was built specifically for that event, replacing a much more ornate Moorish-style palace. The architecture here is all about symmetry and perspective. Look across the Varsovie Fountain toward the Eiffel Tower; this is the quintessential Parisian view, but notice how the surrounding buildings use clean lines and geometric shapes. This space was designed to show a modern, confident France to the world. The gardens themselves are a peaceful retreat, showcasing how the city integrated green spaces with grand, modern infrastructure.

Castel Béranger

We now move into the realm of Art Nouveau at Castel Béranger. Designed by Hector Guimard and completed in 1898, this building was a scandal when it first appeared. It won the award for the most beautiful facade in Paris, but critics called it 'The Devil’s House' because of its strange, organic shapes. Look closely at the gate—the swirling, asymmetrical ironwork is a hallmark of the 'whiplash' style. Guimard designed every detail, from the door handles to the wallpaper, believing that a building should be a total work of art. This was the first major break from the rigid rules of Haussmann, proving that architecture could be expressive, fluid, and even a little bit weird.

Rue Mallet-Stevens

Welcome to Rue Mallet-Stevens, a hidden gem of the 16th. This entire private street was designed by architect Robert Mallet-Stevens in 1927. It is a rare example of a unified Modernist vision. Notice the flat roofs, the lack of ornamentation, and the large windows designed to let in maximum light. The buildings look like white blocks stacked together, a style heavily influenced by Cubism. Mallet-Stevens believed that architecture should be functional and hygienic, stripping away the 'clutter' of the past. Walking down this street feels like stepping into a time machine to a future that was imagined nearly a century ago.

Villa La Roche

Our walk concludes at Villa La Roche, one of the most significant buildings in modern history. Designed by Le Corbusier and Pierre Jeanneret between 1923 and 1925, this house was a manifesto for a new way of living. It incorporates Le Corbusier’s 'Five Points of Architecture,' including the use of pilotis (stilts) to lift the building, and a roof garden. Inside, it features an 'architectural promenade,' a carefully planned path that guides you through the space to experience different light and perspectives. This building stripped architecture down to its essence: light, space, and volume. It remains a pilgrimage site for designers from all over the world.

Frequently Asked Questions

The 16th Arrondissement is the premier location for an architectural walk. This route covers the transition from Art Nouveau at Castel Béranger to the Modernism of Le Corbusier at Villa La Roche, all within a 3-kilometer radius.